Motorcycle Camping with the SV650

For the past eight days, I’ve been camping in southern Minnesota while attending a permaculture course. It was one of the shortest motorcycle trips I’ve taken in years at only 99 miles each way. It was also the most loaded the SV650 has been with gear for a trip. I had all three cases full of clothes and equipment. On the rear seat, I strapped the four person tent, chair, and small table. Since I wasn’t moving each day, I brought much more than normal. The tent was almost close enough to be a back rest.

It was good I brought so much stuff since there were some wild temperature extremes. When I left my house it was 98F, and when I came home it was 58F. It only rained one night, and there was a gentle breeze most nights. During the day the large oak trees kept us shaded. The daily swimming in the lake was very refreshing too. At night we sat around the camp fire and told stories. It was a relaxing trip.

 

 

PS: I still plan to post some pics from MotoGP, but didn’t have time to go through them yet.

Upcoming Weekend of Trail Riding

I didn’t think I would be able to attend the Golden Eagle aka Theilman trail ride this weekend. They only do the ride twice a year and the area is normally off limits to motorcycles. It is the best riding in Minnesota.

My trailer plans fell through at the last minute. Fortunately, a friend had room in trailer for my WR250R! Thanks!!

This is what I packed for riding gear and clothes:

food and toiletries:

tent and sleeping gear:

and of course electronics:

No T2i on this trip as it will be too dusty and dirty. The GoProHD will be fine, and my little Pentax will cover the rest. I see a crash compilation in my future…

All of the above gear fit into my gear bag:

I put the two one gallon jugs of water in for size. It’s a HUGE bag.

The bike is all gassed up and ready to go. I am also bringing an extra 2.5 gallons. There is about 45 miles of trail where we are going, so 4.5 gallons will be more than enough.

 

On a different note, I have been overly busy this spring and am way behind in writing my blog and reading others. Sorry!  No internet this weekend, so I am going to get further behind.  I hope to be caught up soon.

UPDATE: Video from the weekend - 15 ways to drop a bike.